Governor Jared Polis and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) have unveiled their latest transportation “vision,” and it’s as clear as mud. Instead of addressing the state’s crumbling roads and the ever-increasing traffic congestion, they’ve decided to play urban planners, dictating how and where Coloradans should live and commute. Because, obviously, the best way to solve transportation issues is to tell people they’re living their lives all wrong.
In a recent press conference, Polis, flanked by his usual entourage of environmentalists and sycophants, laid out a plan that reads more like a utopian novel than a practical solution. The governor envisions a future where everyone abandons their cars in favor of bikes, buses, and trains. It’s a lovely thought, but it ignores the reality that many Coloradans rely on their vehicles to navigate the state’s vast and varied terrain.
What’s truly astounding is the lack of dissenting voices in this discussion. Not a single representative from the trucking industry, rural communities, or anyone who might offer a differing perspective was present. It’s as if Polis and CDOT are living in an echo chamber, blissfully unaware of the diverse needs of the state’s residents.
And let’s talk about the elephant in the room: cost. Polis has grand plans for transit-oriented development, but when pressed for details on funding, he offers little more than vague assurances. Translation: he has no idea how much this pipe dream will cost, but rest assured, the bill will land squarely on the shoulders of taxpayers. Meanwhile, the majority of Coloradans are left wondering when, if ever, their daily commutes will improve.
In the end, this so-called vision is nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to impose a one-size-fits-all solution on a state that thrives on its diversity. Instead of focusing on practical measures to expand and improve roadways, Polis and CDOT are chasing an ideological fantasy. It’s a classic case of government overreach, and the people of Colorado deserve better.
